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Although vascular malformations are present at birth, they are not necessarily visible right away. It is currently understood that vascular malformations occur during the developmental stage of the arteries, veins and lymph vessels. However, research is ongoing to determine whether there is a hereditary factor in most or all cases. As it stands, only hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia has been established as having a genetically inherited cause.

The symptoms of vascular malformations vary and are largely determined by location on the body. Venous and lymphatic malformations can cause localized pain accompanied by a lump under the skin. The presence of a visible birthmark is not unusual, which may bleed or leak fluid. Infection is also common and will require treatment. Arteriovenous malformations are also associated with pain and have the potential to put stress on the heart. When located in close proximity to major organs, bleeding is also a concern. Pulmonary arteriovenous is more commonly associated with symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue and coughing up blood. There is an increased risk of stroke or brain abscess with this type of vascular malformation.

The diagnosis of vascular malformations may involve a physical evaluation or the use of an MRI. The Vascular Birthmark Center can provide a consultation and evaluation at our offices, performed by Dr. Greg Levitin, who is a leading figure in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and malformations.

Vascular Malformations Treatment

There are a number of treatment options available for vascular malformations, depending on the location and depth of the malformation. Non-surgical treatments include interventional radiology and the use of an artificial embolus (air bubble or clot). The Vascular Birthmark Center can provide treatments for malformations including angiokeratoma, port-wine stains, venous malformations and much more.

Dr. Greg Levitin uses advanced evaluation tools and techniques to diagnose and treat vascular malformations effectively. Venous and lymphatic malformations have an associated risk of nerve damage of up to 50%. However, at the Vascular Birthmark Center, Dr. Levitin has perfected the use of an advanced intraoperative nerve monitoring system which reduces that risk to less than 1% for our patients.

When you choose the Vascular Birthmark Center, you will also benefit from Dr. Levitin’s experience as a plastic surgeon, specializing in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). We have offices in New York and Los Angeles and work closely with patients to ensure that both evaluations and treatment are as convenient as possible.

Contact us today if you would like a vascular malformation evaluation with Dr. Levitin, or take advantage of a free consultation via our website.

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Our Patient Reviews
The Vascular Birthmark Center: Gregory M. Levitin, MD

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 27 reviews

Abril M.

Dr. Levitin is very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. Five years ago, I needed to find information about a birth mark that my newborn daughter started to grow a couple days after birth. I was afraid, I did not feel like I got any clear information about it through my insurance; also, they did not offer any course of treatment for it. I started to look for information, the birthmark was growing each day, information was scarce and I just got more scared. Finally, I found a video in Youtube from a grandmother who was very grateful after finding treatment for her grand daughter through The Birthmark Foundation. It was a huge blessing to me and my family. I found Dr. Levitin, I contacted him thinking he probably would not even answer. I was wrong, he kindly answered promptly, got in touch with me and soon he had a plan : ) I went to see him at the Birthmark Center in Los Angeles. He explained everything in a way that it was so clear to understand, no question I made was insignificant and his answers were each very informative. I really never have had an experience with a doctor who explains and speaks in such a way. I left his office knowing that my daughter was in the best hands and the best care. I first thank God for the Birthmark Foundation, a great organization with the highest quality of doctors. Also, a very special thanks to Dr. Levitin for all his help and kindness, for listening to my concerns and answering each and every question. And last, but no least, to the Birthmark Foundation Center in Los Angeles : ) I hope many children can find help/care in this place as I found it for my daughter. Thank you forever.

Ryan E.

I will be telling tales of the good doctors compassion till time comes to an end. Because of Dr Levitin, I have more confidence in my every day life. He was fast, knowledgeable, precise and all with a disarming sense of humor. Two thumbs up!

Carla M.

I wanted to show you how much better Hailey's tongue looks and let you know her speech has already improved so much!!! Her speech teacher is thrilled!!!! Thank you so much for everything you did for her. You are an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner- we are forever grateful to you!!! We are so appreciative!

Danielle L.

we are forever grateful for Dr. Levitin. My daughter Lena had surgery to remove her hemangioma that was located on her forehead at just 6 month old. she healed beautifully and we couldn't be happier with how minimal her scar is, even almost 4.5 years later. Dr. Levitin is caring, compassionate, and such a great doctor/surgeon overall. He had our daughter's best interest and I knew she was in good hands. I highly recommend him any chance I get!

Chris

My name is Chris and I was recently treated for an AVM on my forehead by Dr. Gregory Levitin of New York (New York Eye and Ear Infirmary). Thankfully, I live within a few hours of NYC. In brief, I would like to say that Dr. Levitin is very capable doctor with a lot of experience with AVMs. He responds quickly to e-mail, texts, and phone calls. He accepts insurance. He takes a "team approach" and will be your "QB" and involve other specialists as necessary. In my particular case they were Dr. Raj Shrivastava (Mt Sinai) and Dr. Raphael A. Ortiz (Lenox Hill) in NY. I recommend contacting Dr Levitin for a consultation if you suspect you have an AVM. All 3 Drs are just good people. When I spoke to them, they treated me like like an equal. I felt like they were advising me as a close friend or family member. Like many that suffer with AVMs I was at first mis-diagnosed. What was thought to be a just a simple cyst turned out to be an AVM. Surgery to remove the cyst made the AVM about 5x bigger. My treatment entailed a few MRIs and CAT scans to determine what was going on and the treatment plan. This was followed by consultation with the 3 Drs mentioned above and finally a 2-day procedure. On day 1 Dr Ortiz embolized the AVM. On day 2 Dr Levitin and Dr Shrivastava removed the AVM from my skull and put some metal mesh there to fill the "hole". It has been 6-months since the surgery and so far I have not had any recurrence. In honor of Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day and to thank these Drs for all they have done for me, I just want to give everyone a solid reference. Finding the right doctor for this type of stuff makes all the difference.

Valle S.

I just discovered this page i have also a birthmark I always experiences bully because of this. I don't know what kind of birthmark is this if it is harmful ? I hope Dr. Levitin notice this message in this way I think he can help me :) :) #DrLevitin

Alicia M.

This year marks the 10th that I contacted VBF for help. Since then I have been under the care of Dr. G Levitin and Dr. R. Ortiz, they are my guardian healing angels! Thanks VBF for not only helping me but also for letting me be a volunteer in the foundation whenever I am needed. A Big Hug to all from MIAMI... Alicia

Alexander G.

Totally positive experience. Dr. Levitin is a great professional. He has diagnosed and treated my nose breathing problem, significantly improving my quality of life. Office staff is very professional. Appointments always kept on time. Strongly recommend.